Rome: Fishing plays a vital role in global food security, providing sustenance and livelihoods for millions. Yet, it is among the most hazardous professions, with an alarming 100,000 fatalities annually. As the COP29 climate change conference unfolds and the UN observes World Fisheries Day on November 21, Manuel Barange, Assistant Director-General and Director of the Fisheries and Aquaculture Division at the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), sheds light on the compounded risks fishers face due to climate change and how FAO is leveraging innovation to enhance safety at sea.
How does climate change impact the safety of fishers, especially small-scale operators?
Climate change significantly increases the risks for those working at sea, particularly small-scale fishers, who are more susceptible to accidents. Warmer oceans generate more frequent and intense storms, including hurricanes, often leaving fishers little time to return to the harbour.
Moreover, shifting fish populations due to climate change compels fishers to venture farther offshore, increasing their exposure to dangerous conditions. These factors combine to make fishing more dangerous than ever, emphasising the urgent need to support fishers and reduce casualty rates.
How is FAO leveraging technology and innovation to protect fishers?
The FAO is pioneering safer vessel designs to protect small-scale fishers. Collaborating with global experts, FAO engineers develop durable, unsinkable boats to minimise vulnerabilities.
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For instance, FAO recently partnered with Sri Lanka to introduce plastic boats designed to withstand harsh conditions and extend vessel lifespans. These boats are crafted to ensure safety during storms, featuring protective spaces under the prow. These innovative designs are freely available to countries on FAO’s website, along with test models to help them transition to safer maritime operations.
What other steps is FAO taking to enhance fishers’ safety?
FAO’s efforts go beyond vessel design. Its initiatives include training programmes, emergency support and collaborative efforts. Under the training programmes, FAO is conducting “train-the-trainer” courses in regions like the Caribbean, East Africa, the Bay of Bengal, Asia, and the Near East. Under emergency support, FAO distributes lifejackets, buoys, and communication equipment to small-scale fishers in crises, enabling them to resume operations swiftly. Similarly, under collaborative efforts, FAO is working with UN agencies like the International Labour Organization (ILO) and International Maritime Organization (IMO) to integrate safety measures with improved working conditions at sea.
These comprehensive efforts underline FAO’s commitment to safeguarding the lives of fish farmers worldwide, ensuring they can continue their crucial contributions to global food security while navigating an increasingly challenging environment.
Photo credit: ©FAO/Pier Paolo Cito
